English Literature GCSE
Sibilance
What Sibilance means in English Literature GCSE, as defined for Eduqas, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Sibilance
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
A literary device where strongly stressed consonants are created deliberately by producing air from vocal tracts through the use of lips and tongue (e.g., 's' sounds).
A literary device where strongly stressed consonants are created deliberately by producing air from vocal tracts through the use of lips and tongue (hissing sounds).
The repetition of 's' sounds to create a hissing or whispering effect.
Repetition of the 's' sound, creating a hissing or whispering effect.
The repetition of 's' sounds, creating a hissing effect.
Topics that use Sibilance
- Section C (20%) Unseen Poetry (Eduqas GCSE)
- The Field-Mouse (Eduqas GCSE)
- To Autumn (Eduqas GCSE)
- Poetry (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Relationships Poetry Anthology (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Caesura
- Enjambment
- Extended Metaphor
- Pathetic Fallacy
- Dramatic Monologue
- Free Verse
- Iambic Pentameter
- Juxtaposition
Using Sibilance in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
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